Today we are commemorating one of the seminal events in our shared history. 20 years ago, a year after the fall of the Berlin Wall, that gaping wound at the heart of our continent, Germany regained her unity, paving the way for the peaceful reunification of the whole of Europe.

Back then, reunified Germany had to confront huge difficulties. She was up to the challenge. Outstanding efforts were made to complete the reunion of a separated people. And today, her success is stunning.

Thanks to the reunification, our two countries also opened a new chapter in their relationship. A constantly renewed relationship of friendship and trust, marked by an acute awareness of a community of destiny despite the ups and downs of history. Together we have striven to increase the links between our young people, together we have engaged in our task of remembrance, no matter how painful. Together we are using our special, unique partnership to serve a Europe we want to be more efficient and mutually-supportive and, going beyond our differences, to sketch out compromises for the whole of Europe.

Another new milestone was passed at the last Franco-German Council of Ministers on 4 February with the adoption of the Franco-German 2020 Agenda, which includes 80 concrete proposals in the political, economic, educational and cultural spheres.

This friendship binding us together is more valuable than ever in view of the challenges still ahead of us. Our common commitment was concretely demonstrated in the fight against an economic and financial crisis which rocked our continent, as it is being manifested in the effort to address the major international crises: in Afghanistan and the challenge of the Iranian regime’s nuclear ambitions.

On this anniversary, we reiterate to our German friends the sincere and ardent faith we have in our shared future./.